Second Alleged Conspirator Arrested for Insurance Fraud

Investigators allege that Key conspired with Christona Shante Ross to obtain an Allstate Insurance policy on Key's 2003 Cadillac, a vehicle with prior damage for which an insurance claim had already been filed and paid. On Jan. 30, 2012, investigators allege that Ross filed a claim with Allstate for the same vehicle damage that had already been settled. Before Allstate representatives realized there was a problem, Ross was issued a $1,102.65 check for the claim.

Key was arrested on March 14 in Lincoln County and held on a $3,000 unsecured bond. Ross was arrested on March 12 at the Gaston County Detention Center and was released after posting a $5,000 secured bond.

The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn state law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating and prosecuting claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud. Since Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin took office in 2009, criminal investigators have received more than 14,000 complaints, resulting in 602 arrests, 333 criminal convictions and more than 110 pending court cases. These efforts have delivered more than $48.5 million in restitution and recoveries for victims.

An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims. To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.com.